RECREATIONAL shellfish collectors are being advised not to eat shellfish taken from the Hobsons Bay area after another marine algal bloom was detected near Newport.
A routine sample has found high levels of the naturally occurring toxic algae Alexandrium catenella, which can accumulate in shellfish, and is potentially toxic to humans.
Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) Port Phillip regional director Rodney Warren however said it was important to note this algal bloom was not dangerous to swimmers and had not affected commercial shellfish farms.
“It is still safe to eat any shellfish brought from shops or supplied by commercial fisheries,” Mr Warren said.
“We are undertaking further sampling over the weekend to determine if the bloom has dispersed or moved on following the currents of the bay and the recent rainfall.
“The Department of Health has advised us that people should not eat shellfish collected from Hobsons Bay. Anyone who is feeling unwell after eating shellfish collected from the area should visit their doctor as a precaution.”
The algae Alexandrium catenella occurs naturally at low, non-toxic levels in Hobsons Bay throughout the year, but has multiplied in the recent warm, still weather conditions.
The algae is not visible to the eye at the levels tested.
Updates will be posted on DSE’s website.
